I am going to be graduating from university next month and would like to go to Korea to teach english. However, I have heard stories about it being difficult for someone like myself to find a good job as I am asian but not korean. I was born in Canada and have lived here all my life. English is my first language and I speak it as well as french, fluently.
I would really appreciate anyone's honest opinion, experience and/or advice. Thanks

I teach with a Canadian-Korean. She left this school after one year, thinking she could find another position. She ended up returning to this school because she could not find a good job. All of the offers were from schools that would treat her like a Korean teacher, and we all know that that is not very good. Do not tell the recruiters right away that you are Asian. Right now Korean hogwans are looking for teachers due to the politicaly stuff going on with North Korea. Many teachers are waiting or just not coming here anymore. So you likely have a lot better chance right now. Don't take the first offer though, there are some horrible positions here too.

Do you think they will change their minds later just because you didn't tell them up front? You'll just be wasting your time if they find out later and dump you, in my opinion. People have shown up at the airport and then been rejected -- it's not unheard of. Best to be honest upfront.

There are schools out there who will hire a Gyopo. They do work here. You can't be as choosy, but it isn't impossible. Also, you have more freedom if you can get the other Visa (E4 instead of E2???).

Thanks for your replies. I am not korean, but vietnamese-canadian. My concern is that even though I speak perfect english like any other causcasian-canadian, they would not want to hire me because I am of asian descent. I have seen many ads from schoools looking for korean speaking english teachers so I know a korean- canadian would be able to find a job. I have posted an ad stating I a 22 year female canadian am looking for a job and instantly got many offers but I have yet to send them my picture and resume. I guess I will reply and see what happens next. I just wanted anyone's advice and/or opinion. Thanks

I am not sure what to tell you, but I would think it would be more difficult to get a job.

I have a North Vietnamese friend here, by the way. She doesn't teach English, but she is a nice lady. If you want to meet some Viet people, I might be able to hook you up with a few. One is married to a South Viet ambassador to Korea.

I tried Jackie's clinic and they said that they don't have any job postions until August. I posted a job wanted ad and got lots of offers. I wrote back to a few schools asking for more informatio and they replied giving me more information and told me to send my resume and photo. After sending my resume and recent photo I haven't heard back. This is also the case of recruiting agencies too. I think I am going to write back to them and see what else they say. Wish me luck!
Anybody else know of any other schools that I could try? I am available to leave Canada May 14

I haven't found a job yet but I have been in contact with a recruiter from a company called ABC Literacy and Recruiting Comapny. He has actually had the decency to write back to me even after he found out I was not white. He seems very sincere and helping me find a job. Has anyone ever heard of this company? Is it better to go with a recruiting company? Also does anyone know of any American or Canadian owned schools in central Seoul that are looking for teachers? I heard that they are less discriminating against non- white native english teachers than korean owned senglish chools.